CHILDREN are being warned of the dangers of railway trespassing as the newly electrified line between Crewe and Kidsgrove goes live.

A &#xA3;30million project has seen more than 400 stanchions and miles of wiring installed from Crewe to Kidsgrove, which will allow the new Pendolino trains and other electrified traffic to be diverted along the route.

Engineers switched on the new system on Sunday sending 25,000 volts of electricity along the 8.25-mile route.

Project manager James Martin said: 'This is a real achievement for all concerned on this particular part of the West Coast upgrade.

'We are well on target to open the line to traffic when the new timetable is introduced on September 28. This will help to provide a safer, faster and more reliable railway.' But Nigel Barber, head of communications for the West Coast stressed: 'The railway is a dangerous place for those who trespass on it, but from now on the Crewe to Kidsgrove route there is the added danger of electrocution from the new over-head lines. The message to everyone is stay away from the railway lines.'

Anyone who sees trespassers is urged to call the 24-hour British Transport Police hotline on 0800 40 50 40.